With the grace of God, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tikrit University held the defense of a Master’s thesis entitled “Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization of Avian Pox in Turkeys in the City of Tikrit” by the student Mohammed Nofal Abdulrahman, specializing in Microbiology.
The examination committee consisted of:
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Professor Dr. Bashar Sadiq Noumi – تخصص Immunology and Bacterial Diagnosis / Tikrit University – College of Veterinary Medicine (Chair)
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Professor Dr. Hala Mohammed Majeed – تخصص Virology / Ibn Sina University – College of Medicine (Member)
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Professor Dr. Adnan Fadil Naseef – تخصص Molecular Biology / Tikrit University – College of Science (Member)
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Professor Dr. Nihad Abdulhussein Jaafar – تخصص Microbiology / Tikrit University – College of Veterinary Medicine (Member and Supervisor)
The study aimed to molecularly detect the avian pox virus in turkeys and determine its genetic relationship with global isolates, in addition to clinical and laboratory diagnosis and evaluating the immune response in infected and vaccinated birds.
The results demonstrated a high detection rate using PCR targeting the P4b gene, with a high genetic similarity to global isolates. The Iraqi isolates were classified within Clade A, showing limited genetic variation. These isolates were also registered in the GenBank database, marking the first official molecular documentation of the virus in turkeys in Iraq.
On the serological side, ELISA results revealed high immune response levels in both infected and vaccinated birds, with a notably stronger response observed in older birds. This highlights the importance of combining molecular and serological diagnostics for accurate disease assessment.
This study represents a valuable scientific contribution to understanding the epidemiological and molecular landscape of avian pox virus and supports future research efforts in vaccine development and monitoring genetic variations of the virus.
The defense, held at Dr. Muhannad Maher Hall, was attended by a number of faculty members and students.
